Every year on 1 October, Lincolnshire Day commemorates the Lincolnshire Rising of 1536—a revolt against Henry VIII’s reforms—and honours the county’s rich history, traditions, and culture.
First officially observed in 2006, this day unites locals (affectionately called “Yellowbellies”) and visitors in a vibrant celebration of everything that makes Lincolnshire unique.
Every Lincolnshire Day, you’ll spot the county’s distinctive flag flying high. Designed in 2005 by Michelle Andrews, its four colours encapsulate the county’s essence:
- Green for the fertile fields and rolling Wolds
- Blue for the Humber, Wash, and inland waterways
- Yellow for golden crops and the “Yellowbelly” nickname
- Red for the fleur-de-lis of the City of Lincoln
Lincolnshire Day in Gainsborough and West Lindsey isn’t just a local celebration—it’s an invitation to experience the heart and soul of Lincolnshire. Whether you’re a born Yellowbelly or a first-time visitor, you’ll leave with memories of warm welcomes, stunning landscapes, and a festival atmosphere that captures the county’s enduring spirit.
The roots of Lincolnshire Day lie in the Lincolnshire Rising of October 1536. Sparked by widespread discontent at Henry VIII’s dissolution of the monasteries and the country’s break from Rome, some nine thousand local Catholics marched from Lincolnshire to York to demand the restoration of traditional worship practices. Although the king initially acceded to their demands, he swiftly reneged. The rebellion’s leaders were executed, yet their stand has echoed through the centuries as a symbol of Lincolnshire’s resilient spirit.
Lincolnshire Day was formally inaugurated in 2006 after a county-wide petition to recognise the 1536 uprising. The date—1 October—was chosen by readers of Lincolnshire Life magazine and listeners of BBC Radio Lincolnshire, cementing a grassroots fixture in the county calendar. Today, institutions from Lincoln Cathedral to local co-operatives rally behind the annual events that celebrate both history and community.
Locals proudly adopt the “Yellowbelly” moniker each 1 October, donning yellow attire and decorating homes and workplaces in sunshine hues. While no single origin story prevails, popular explanations include:
- Soldiers of the Lincolnshire Regiment and Royal North Lincolnshire Militia wearing yellow waistcoats
- A folk tale that a Lincolnshire infant sleeping with a shilling on their belly would wake to find it turned to gold
- Poachers in the Fens covered head-to-toe in yellow pollen as they stalked game across the wetlands
Here is Lincolnshire we have some treasured food customs. No Lincolnshire Day feast is complete without the county’s signature tastes. Typical indulgences include:
- Lincolnshire sausages, famed for their herby seasoning
- Plum loaf served with Lincolnshire Poacher cheese
- A pint of Bateman’s ale from the county’s oldest brewery
Local food festivals, pop-up markets and pub specials showcase these favourites alongside craft ciders, sweet butter tarts and Lincolnshire Poacher ice cream, weaving the county’s agricultural heritage into every celebration.
So, this Lincolnshire Day, why not immerse yourself in the stories, flavours, and traditions that make our county so special? From the historic streets of Gainsborough to the rolling fields of West Lindsey and beyond, Lincolnshire offers a warm welcome, rich heritage, and unforgettable experiences. Come and celebrate with us—and discover why Gainsborough in Lincolnshire is a destination worth returning to time and time again.